I met a man named Mark Zier in San Diego about 10 years ago. Mark was the Youth Pastor where Candi and I were attending church. Mark and his wife Sheila served as the model for how Candi and I wanted to live as a married couple. They were completely committed to each other and their children; Jay, Marci, Jenni, and Traci. Mark mentored me and encouraged me to get involved with the youth at our church. Little did I know that working with those kids would prepare Candi and me to volunteer in many other areas throughout our marriage. In 1993, I took a job in Tucson, AZ and we said goodbye to Mark and Sheila.

Throughout the next 8 years, Mark and I communicated a little, but the distance between us caused us to lose almost all contact. We just got busy with our lives. Candi and I would think of Mark and Sheila on the 25th of November each year, which is both of our wedding anniversaries.

In the year 2000, I contacted Mark and told him I was experiencing some difficulties in life and I was looking to make a change. Candi and I went to visit Mark and Sheila in Ventura, CA where they were now living. Mark and I spoke about potentially working together but ultimately decided that it was not the right time. Looking back, that visit served more as an opportunity for Mark to pick me up off the floor, dust me off, and send me on my way.

Long story short, life has brought Mark and I back together. Mark has dedicated the last year to building a non-profit organization known as Whitney Hope Foundation. Mark's first goal was to put together a summer camp that disabled children could call their own. Although Mark was told the camp would not happen for 3-5 years, Mark refused to listen. The result: check out www.whitneyhope.com.

The headache from my surgery is gone. We are now working with our Dr. to regulate the Bachlofen pump so my left leg will loosen up. I can't explain what it feels like to go from not being able to move anything below my neck to talking about a pump to assist me in walking. I am humbled by the power of prayer and the love of so many people.

Dan